The moratorium on bauxite mining in Pahang has been extended by another three months to March 31 next year.
The latest decision by the authorities is the fourth such extension since the moratorium was first imposed early this year.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said there were still about 2.95 million metric tonnes of bauxite stockpile that had yet to be cleared and exported.
“The Cabinet has agreed to extend the period of moratorium to March 31 next year as there is still a stockpile of the mineral yet to be exported,” said Dr Wan Junaidi at a press conference after his ministry’s monthly assembly.
The minister did not rule out that the moratorium could be extended further.
Most of the remaining bauxite stockpile is at the Felda Bukit Goh area.
Dr Wan Junaidi said there has been notable improvements in terms of cleanliness and pollution in Kuantan, nearly a year since the moratorium took effect.